The XMM-Newton survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud: XMMUJ005011.2-730026 = SXP214, a Be/X-ray binary pulsar

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a new Be/X-ray binary pulsar, XMMUJ005011.2-730026, in the Small Magellanic Cloud, identified through XMM-Newton survey data, with detailed spectral and timing analysis confirming its nature.

Contribution

The study presents the first detection and characterization of a new Be/X-ray binary pulsar in the SMC using XMM-Newton data, including precise localization and spectral properties.

Findings

Discovered a new transient X-ray pulsar with a 214.05 s period.

Confirmed the optical counterpart as a Be star.

Provided spectral analysis showing a hard X-ray spectrum.

Abstract

In the course of the XMM-Newton survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), a region to the east of the emission nebula N19 was observed in November 2009. To search for new candidates for high mass X-ray binaries the EPIC PN and MOS data of the detected point sources were investigated and their spectral and temporal characteristics identified. A new transient (XMMUJ005011.2-730026= SXP214) with a pulse period of 214.05 s was discovered; the source had a hard X-ray spectrum with power-law index of ~0.65. The accurate X-ray source location permits the identification of the X-ray source with a ~15th magnitude Be star, thereby confirming this system as a new Be/X-ray binary.